The Ax Book: The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter [Paperback]

Dudley Cook (Author), S. Lawrence Whipple (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2005

The Ax Book is a thorough guide to cutting wood with hand tools.The author explains how to use various types of axes, hatchets, mauls, saws and wedges to take down trees and prepare firewood. In addition he shows every aspect of dealing with wood from the forest right to the hearth or stove.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"“From tree selection to fireside cheer, Cook takes the reader every step in the wood-harvesting process, tree felling, climbing, bucking, wood handling, splitting, cutting to size, storing and burning... vivid, entertaining anecdotes from a lifetime of experience.”
Bud Leavitt, Bangor (ME) Daily News "

From the Publisher

Originally published in 1981 by Universe Books as "Keeping Warm with an Ax, " The Ax Book is a thorough guide to cutting wood with hand tools. Although it is one of man's most ancient tools, the ax remains the standard tool of the woodman, and has been brought to a high degree of perfection. The author explains how to use various types of axes, hatchets, mauls, saws and wedges to take down trees and prepare firewood. In addition he shows every aspect of dealing with wood from the forest right to the hearth or stove.

Throughout recorded time, the ax has been a principle tool for carving out from the wilderness the homes, farms, and roads so necessary to the advance of civilization. Even today, those who use chainsaws and other power equipment still need to be familiar with the hand tools of their craft. In many situations, only a hand-ax will suffice for the felling of trees, the rough shaping of lumber, the creation of firewood, and clearing out the nooks and crannies of forested areas for other purposes -- including the planting of new trees. Cook's The Ax Book is an ideal "how to" manual of instruction enhanced with the illustrations of Whipple to provide what is simply the best introductory guide to the subject available to readers today. The Ax Book is a "must" for anyone needing to use a hand ax for any purpose, under any circumstances.

The ax is an indispensable tool for every woodsman. Even those who use chainsaws and other power equipment need to be familiar with the hand tools of their craft. In many situations, nothing will do but an ax. This book has been proven to be an ideal resource for anyone who wishes to fell trees and take lumber or firewood from the forest.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: "Hood, Alan C. & Company, Inc." (March 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911469168
• ISBN-13: 978-0911469165
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Agricultural Sciences > Forestry
  • #33 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Natural Resources

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introduction to the subject currently available., February 3, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ax Book: The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter (Paperback)

Throughout recorded time, the ax has been a principle tool for carving out from the wilderness the homes, farms, and roads so necessary to the advance of civilization. Even today, those who use chainsaws and other power equipment still need to be familiar with the hand tools of their craft. In many situations, only a hand-ax will suffice for the felling of trees, the rough shaping of lumber, the creation of firewood, and clearing out the nooks and crannies of forested areas for other purposes -- including the planting of new trees. Cook's The Ax Book is an ideal "how to" manual of instruction enhanced with the illustrations of Whipple to provide what is simply the best introductory guide to the subject available to readers today. The Ax Book is a "must" for anyone needing to use a hand ax for any purpose, under any circumstances.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Owners Manual for the ax, March 27, 2007

By 

D. A. Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Ax Book: The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter (Paperback)

I have used an ax for years, and have heard stories from my family that included the ax, but I learned so much from this book I couldn't believe it. any one who uses a ax should have this owners manual.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ax and more, November 19, 2009

By 

John G. Whitacre "a non-fiction reader" (Winchester, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Ax Book: The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter (Paperback)

This book is packed with information.You learn about the care and use of the ax, along with proper tree felling, limbing and splitting techniques. And a little ax history. There is information on tree characteristics, other tools needed in the forest and some info on saws. If you are a woodsman or just cut and split your own firewood the knowledge gained will help you in your task. The book is easy to read and understand with diagrams that are well done and informative.